Les 3 Vallées ski area news and updates for Winter 2016/17

Every year I do a round up of all the news and updates concerning Les 3 Vallées’ ski runs and ski lifts. So, are you ready to join me to find out what’s new for this winter?

We’ll start with Val Thorens’ new projects. Once again, the resort is investing heavily in the comfort and performance provided by its ski lifts.

Boismint 6-seater detachable chair lift / Val Thorens

The Boismint 4-seater chair lift has been replaced by a 6-seater detachable chair lift.
It’s definitely well worth heading over to discover or re-discover this part of the ski area, with its long runs and fun contours.

The Roc and Stades ski tows have been replaced by a 6-seater detachable chair lift, which is the resort’s second major project. The new chair lift will leave from the Rond Point des Pistes and will arrive a little higher up than the old Stades ski tow.

It will provide access to the Lac Blanc run and the competition stadiums, as well as the new “Croissant” red run, (which refers to the “Croissant” ski tow, built in the resort’s early days) which will lead back to resort.

A ski tow has been created so that our budding champions can progress in the best conditions, giving them access to the lower section of the stadium. It will be used exclusively for competitions and training sessions held by Val Thorens’ Ski Club.

Val Thorens’ Snowpark & Familypark

For the 2016-17 winter season, Val Thorens’ Snowpark and Familypark will be managed by QParks, a European leader in its field. This is great news for freeskiers and snowboarders, for whom many new innovations are on the cards.

The current provision will be extended, with particular attention being paid to optimising beginner’s zones, encouraging novices to make their first foray into the world of freestyle. Val Thorens’ Familypark will feature Jib modules, as well as easy, creative and fun jumps so that you can have a go at freestyle at your own pace, and in total safety.

(for bigger size, click on the image)

More experienced freestylers will be thrilled to see the Snowpark’s medium zone has been extended and improved. New obstacles will provide riders with a creative playground to add a little excitement to their sessions. Twenty extra modules (rails, boxes and jibs) for all levels will be added to the current set up.

A large zone, which can be turned into an XL line for special events (activities, competitions etc) will also be available.

The daily maintenance will be carried out by qualified specialists to guarantee a high level of quality and consistency of ability levels across the two structures.»

Next in our round up, let’s have a look at the developments in Les Menuires and St Martin de Belleville.

La Croisette gondola lift in Les Menuires

La Croisette gondola lift in Les Menuires is updating its cabins, which is great news for anyone wanting to reach La Masse sector.

Jérusalem run in St Martin de Belleville

There are changes in St Martin de Belleville too, with a new blue run leading from the top of the current Jérusalem red run. This will allow beginners to avoid the steeper section, whilst still enjoying the stunning views and the run’s beautiful contours.

More good news: the run has been extended to reach as far as the Biolley run.

Les Chalets 6-seater gondola lift / Méribel

And to round it all off nicely, let’s pop over to Méribel where Les Chalets 6-seater gondola lift Is being entirely refurbished.

A holiday in the mountains is sacred for you: every year, at Christmas or during February half term you like to get away and recharge your batteries with family or friends. But have you ever considered going to the mountains in spring ? I can already hear you saying: “when the nice weather comes we want to go somewhere warm….”, but I’ve come up with 6 reasons to help change your mind:

The SETAM, the institution which operates Val Thorens' ski lifts, keeps on its pursuit of improvement and innovation. A brand new service will be implemented on the resort's chairlift Pionniers for the beginning of the winter season 2019-2020.